Greetings!


Winter Carnival is just around the corner, and this year it’s bringing a familiar feel with a fresh twist. McCall’s favorite winter celebration is back to its full 10-day format—but with one notable schedule change you’ll want to have on your radar as you start making plans.


Plus, as 2026 gets underway, check out my take on what’s ahead for the local real estate market and what buyers and sellers should be watching as the year unfolds.


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Shane's Market Insights - What's Ahead in 2026

Comparing 2024 to 2025, the Valley County real estate market shows a shift toward increased activity with some price adjustment.


McCall experienced a strong 30% increase in sales, while the median sales price decreased by 4.5%, signaling more movement as buyers found opportunities at adjusted price points.


In Donnelly, sales volume declined, but median prices rose, reflecting continued demand for a smaller pool of available properties. Cascade also saw positive momentum, with sales up 7.5% year over year, even as median prices decreased by approximately 7%.


Overall, increased transaction activity across much of the valley suggests growing buyer confidence, while price shifts are creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers who approach the market with realistic expectations and strong guidance from a local expert like me!

Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate a stable and balanced real estate market across the McCall area and Valley County. Both prices and overall sales activity are expected to remain relatively flat, reflecting a market that has found its footing after recent adjustments. Economic indicators remain generally positive, and interest rates are currently at a three-year low, helping support buyer confidence and affordability.


Continued steady growth in the Treasure Valley is also expected to sustain demand for second homes, particularly in lifestyle-driven markets like McCall, Donnelly, and Cascade. With consistent interest from both primary and second-home buyers, the market is positioned to remain healthy and steady, favoring thoughtful pricing and well-prepared properties.

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Insider's Guide to the 
2026 McCall Winter Carnival

 

Snow Sculptures 👍🏼


Parade Moved to Second Saturday ✅


There's been a lot of buzz about our low-snow winter, but fortunately that won't keep the storied snow sculptures from rising in time for Winter Carnival!


Two dozen sculptures are under construction already, but there's one thing visitors WON'T see this first weekend, and that's the Mardi Gras Parade...


Click on the Read More button below for a full rundown and highlights from this year's Winter Carnival:

EVENT GUIDE: 2026 McCall Winter Carnival returns for a full 10-day celebration

After a shorter run last year, the McCall Winter Carnival is back with a full 10-day celebration Jan. 30-Feb. 8. Read the KIVI event guide to help plan your week!❄️

Rec Notes:

'This road will remain open': Warm Lake Summit winter access settled... for now - Valley Lookout

A conversation among Valley County officials about public access on Warm Lake Summit this winter was settled last week by Mother Nature. A large section of South Fork Road crumbled during a Jan. 7 landslide, rendering the primary winter route to Yellow Pine impassable. The road was closed indefinitely by the Payette National Forest on [...]

Sled on, Little Doggies: 
Warm Lake Stage Race is a Go Jan 29 & 30


This winter's limited snowpack forced cancellation of the Idaho Sled Dog Challenge's longer 100- and 300-mile races this year, but the Warm Lake Stage Race — is still on for Jan. 29–30.


This two-day, 52-mile event based out of North Shore Lodge offers spectators a front-row look at the excitement as teams depart the chute and navigate the scenic course. Check out the link below for more info.


Learn More

"Skimo" is the newest Olympic Event, check out the local version at LSH


The Winter Olympics are right around the corner, and a new sport called skimo — short for ski mountaineering — will make its Olympic debut at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.


If you’re curious what all the buzz is about, you don’t have to travel overseas to see it in action. On February 14, locals and visitors can experience skimo firsthand right here in McCall at Little Ski Hill, where the fast-growing uphill-and-downhill sport will be on full display in a fun, accessible community event. It’s a great reminder that while Olympic dreams may start on the world stage, they’re often rooted in hometown hills like ours.


Learn More from KTVB

Trip Reports: Locals Crave Powder, but Snowbrains finds the goods at both Brundage and Tamarack


While early-season snow has been lean and powder days haven’t quite stacked up yet, there’s still plenty to be excited about on the slopes. On a recent trip, Snowbrains author stop,


Brundage delivered with fast, scenic groomers and inviting tree skiing that made the most of what’s fallen so far, showing off why locals and visitors alike cherish its varied terrain and relaxed vibe.


Snowbrains Trip Report: Brundage


And just a bit south at Tamarack, the terrain reshaped by last year’s Rock Fire has unveiled new wide-open lines and sidecountry possibilities that reveal both challenge and beauty against the Lake Cascade backdrop. 


Snowbrains Trip Report: Tamarack

Development News

McCall Considers Growth Fees Based on Size of New Homes

McCall Okays New Airport Hangars After Reduced Public Subsidy

McCall Approves Storage Unit Moratorium

Wilks Brothers submit new plans for 700+ homes near McCall - Valley Lookout

A new concept plan for a commercial village and hundreds of homes southwest of McCall was submitted to Valley County late last month. The plans, submitted on Dec. 29 by Texas-based DF Development, call for 722 homes and townhomes on 2,250 acres along West Mountain Road.

Garnet Valley gets two-year extension if sewer/water plan is approved - McCall Star-News

A plan to upgrade water and sewer systems for the 316-home Garnet Valley development must be completed within one year or the development's approvals will expire.

 
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